Providence Classic

Monday

Our little pumpkin is 6 months today! Half of me can't believe it's been 6 months, and the other half of me feels like she was born 12 years ago (those first few weeks are . . . special). She is, literally, the best days of my life.

Wednesday

One of my very best friends is a jewelry designer at kate spade (pretty much every kate spade jewelry piece you see in a mag - yup, she created it). The daughter of renowned artist and author David Macaulay and a historian/teacher/expert seamstress mother (whose beautiful photo you can see in the top right corner, along with a good 'ol Wolski's bumper sticker!), it's no surprise Charlotte Macaulay is both creative and extremely skilled. Clothes, bags? Yep, she does those, too. In fact, Charlotte designed and made my wedding dress. Introducing Charlotte Macaulay, via kate spade's "behind the curtain" blog!

Photo via kate spade

it’s often said that we’re a brand known for our baubles. we sat down with the girl behind the sparkle—charlotte, our jewelry designer—to talk about shopping, our holiday collection and the gem she uncovered in the vending machine.

q: how did you get into jewelry design?
a: it wasn’t really planned. at parsons i studied apparel design, but i’ve always had an interest in accessories. after an internship at kate spade new york, the jewelry assistant designer spot opened and i thought, hey! this could be great. i was right.

q: what keeps you busy during the day?
a: day to day i do everything from sketching and brainstorming new concepts to vintage shopping (7), searching for inspiration, bead shopping, making jewelry, reviewing samples, correcting samples and going on multiple, multiple starbucks runs.

q: who inspires you?
a: my dad, david (6), who taught me from a young age the importance of doing something you love as a job.

q: what’s your jewelry design claim to fame?
a: one of the first styles i worked on was the all wrapped up bow ring (4) with the grosgrain texture. we still use it in the jewelry line and it’s also expanded to belts and a few home products.

q: tell us a little-known fact about our holiday collection.
a: i sent two pieces of actual popcorn from our fourth floor vending machine to the factory to get the most realistic shape possible for the popcorn garland necklace (2).

q: which have been your favorite pieces?
a: i love the date night ring. i had a lot of fun with this one—in true ksny fashion, it offers a quirky pop of color to any look.
the pearl street statement necklace—this piece was a work in progress to say the least. i combined necklace samples from several different collections and added other elements i found locally. it really came to life at my desk.
i can’t wait for the double exposure collection (graphic day pieces in great colors!) to arrive in december.

q: pick three things at your desk and tell us about them.

a: my pliers (5) are essential. whether it’s creating a new piece or fixing a sample, i could not do my job without these.

this millimeter gauge (1) is always nearby because i am constantly measuring.

my bulletin board (3) is where i stick anything and everything—from inspirational images and photos to random odds and ends that strike me.

Friday

Get your countdown on! Starting September 13, Missoni for Target hits stores and online with over 400 items in women's, men's, and children's clothing, home and more. I know people have ripped the previewed clothes, but I have to be honest - these look amazingly like their couture counterparts. The question will be: what are the fabrics like? If they're a cotton blend, fantastic. Rayon-polyester? Eh, it's going to look real cheap.

Based on the ads, here are some items look adorable, wearable in everyday life, and affordable to moi:

Adult twin set

Kids hoodie (I may just buy this for Arden years down the road because it's so fun and youthful)

Scarves (I would frame and place in a hallway or make a pillow of - perhaps a different scarf for each side?)

Baby onesie and blanket! Man, I hope these are cotton! My Calypso for Target bloomer onesies are among my favorite pieces in Arden's closet. (And yes, I purchased them all before she arrived and when we thought we were having a boy. They were too cute to pass up.)

Frames

Incredibly chic outdoor furniture

Coverlet - great for a guest bedroom with fun colors and a reversible pattern

Towels and shower curtain - which - depending on its fabric - I am fully considering using as drapes. Love the modern stripes and reversible option. This curtain is my number 1 covet right now.

Fab, fab, fab bike

Personally, I'm pretty impressed with the photos. Guess we'll have to wait and see what the items are like in person. One of the upsides of living in Wisconsin is European fashion (okay, fashion in general) doesn't have much of a following. Meaning, I have my pick of the litter. Woo hoo!

Monday

Copy Cat Chic today - just purchased two of these zig zag rugs in grey:

The reviews were great, though there were complaints that the black ink rubbed off. Since I went with a light gray stripe, I'm not too worried about it. And for this price, I am totally willing to order (it's online only) and see if it works. My plan is to lay them side by side in the living room.

Check it out here. If you're interested in buying too, I hunted down a coupon code for Urban on Google and got 10% off. There's also a free shipping sale today, though you can only choose one of the discounts. Happy shopping!

Friday

I check in with this blog from time to time - and Wednesday (August 10th, if you need to search for the post) Lauren had a great item about inexpensive but nice-looking upholstered sofas. Thought I would throw it your way . . .

Monday

Just discovered the Etsy shop of Kari Herer, a photographer from Portland, Maine. Love the stills of flowers, and those with a mix of botanicals and illustrations (silverware and antlers are also common subjects). Her work's been seen in Martha Stewart Weddings, Lonny magazine, Daily Candy and more. Beautiful.